Colonel Jill Long was initially a KC-10 aerial refueling tanker pilot in the US Air Force. Later, she became a decorated A-10 Thunderbolt pilot who flew over 50 combat missions in Afghanistan. She then moved on to become a squadron commander in Germany, and is a recent graduate of the US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

In her spare time, she is an aerobatic pilot who loves to perform for a crowd in her shiny black Pitts S-2B. An inspiration for lots of little girls, she unabashedly shares her enthusiasm for flying. In short, she's everything good about aviation…and lots of people know it.

She was kind enough to answer a few questions about her experiences flying the A-10 and about the future of the aircraft. The interview also entered into some territory about how the whole procurement system works, especially when a high-dollar weapons system such as a new aircraft is involved.

In all, a candid interview with a talented officer. The US Air Force is lucky to have her on their team. Enjoy!